Pontefract food bank gears up for Christmas

A new christian based food bank is being set up in Pontefract. Pictured are a handful of the new members and volunteers outside the Central Methodist church, Pontefract, who will help collect and distribute the food to the needy. 'p307a343

Published:16:00Saturday 06 December 2014

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Organisers of a Pontefract food bank which opened in January are gearing up for their first Christmas.

The food bank, at Central Methodist Church, provides meals for around 16 referred families every week.

Frank Sheard, food bank manager, said: “We have been open nearly 12 months and this will be our first Christmas so I’m sure that will be a busy spell for us.

“We have around 40 people across the area - including doctors, headteachers, ministers and charities – who have vouchers they can give to people in need.”

The food bank joined national charity the Trussell Trust, which works with food banks across the country.

Through that link the food bank is able to collect donations from supermarkets Asda and Tesco.

Mr Sheard said: “The response we’ve had has been incredible. I only asked once for volunteers and donations and we had a great response.

“I think people realise the importance of what we’re doing and people come from all over the area to help us.”

Volunteers from the food bank, along with sixth form pupils from Ackworth School, held a collection at Tesco in Pontefract last week.

Mr Sheard added: “We had a great response from the public and I’d like to thank all those who donated as well as the students who helped us on the day - they were wonderful.

“We now have 45 people involved in running the food bank - it’s been a heartwarming response.”